My television is a 60 inch Mitsubishi HD DLP WD-60735 purchased for $800 from HH Gregg on sale. This television is not bleeding edge technology, however it delivers a high quality picture that compares favorably to equivalent sized televisions costing three times the price. Unless you are a technology snob that needs to have the latest and greatest technology to make you happy, this set will provide you with a great HD viewing experience.
My sofa sits 20 feet away from the television making the 60 inch size a necessity for proper viewing in HD. My wife and I compared the picture quality of this DLP set to a $3000 LED unit sitting next to it and neither of us could see any difference in picture quality between the two sets. To say the least we were surprised. I went shopping for the set with the idea that I would be compromising some picture quality in order to stay within budget. No compromise was made. Great price and great picture. The only down side is the $100 light bulb with a 2000 hour lifetime that must be replaced periodically, 18 to 24 months according to the literature. The built in menu for selecting "over the air" channels leaves a lot to be desired. The menu is easy enough to avoid by using the numeric keypad on the included remote to change channels.
The only others features that I use on the television remote are the "on/off button" and the "activities button" which lets you choose the from the available inputs. I am using the antenna input and 1 of the 3 available HDMI inputs on the television. Sixty feet or so of coax cable runs from an existing roof top UHF antenna and it is connected to the television with a cable company style screw on connector. UHF antennas work great for digital HD, so if you have one you can save money.
A $4 HDMI cable 6 feet in length connects the set to an Acer X3810 4mb mini tower computer. It is a dedicated HTPC that is used to stream programming from the internet, serve locally stored programming and play/record programming using the computer's internal DVD/CD. The computer was a refurbished unit purchased at MicroCenter for $280 sans monitor.
The X3810 was selected because it had all of the necessary features needed for use as an HTPC, most importantly a graphic card that can deliver HD to the televison. The Intel GMA G45/G43 on board graphic card with an HDMI output is more than adequate. Initially the picture looked horrible due to the small amount of video memory on the graphic card, however after accessing the graphic bios at boot and configuring the card to supplement its on board memory with system memory, the picture delivered to the television is outstanding.
The Acer also has an on board television tuner by Yuan that is operated via the media center edition software included with the Vista OS that came with the computer. The tuner/software allows your to watch live or record live "over the air" television.
The internal DVD/CD player/recorder lets you play recorded media or record your own. The DVD/CD works great, however this device does not have an eject button. Disks must be ejected via the computers software. I do miss having a physical eject button, but lacking this feature is not a show stopper.
Sound can be played through the television using only a single HDMI cable between the television and computer. As my intention was to play music, as well as, watch television, I chose to do otherwise and I am running the computer sound output to a stereo receiver. A single male Y micro plug connected to the computers "line out" is used to split the sound output into two female RCA plugs. Two male to male RCA cables are then connected between Y cable and the left/right input on the stereo receceiver device input. Mine is plugged into the stereo's VCR input. Most inputs on the receiver should work, excepting the phono input which may have preamp issues. I use a second pair of male to male RCA cables that run between the television's sound output and stereo receiver's sound input to achieve quality sound for the "over the air" broadcasts as well. This set of RCA cables are plugged into the receiver's TV/DVD port. When watching "over the air" broadcasts the receiver's input device is set to TV/DVD, otherwise it is set to VCR as the input device. The receiver is an older Technics (140w x 2) that has been working reliably for over 10 years.
The wired keyboard/mouse that came with computer was replaced with a wireless usb keyboard/mouse for a cost of $20. I opted for a full size keyboard/mouse due the lack economical options at the time of purchase, however I've noticed that a variety of remote control sized keyboard/touchpad combinations are now available. I've found that I do not do a lot of typing using this computer as a dedicated HTPC making the full sized keyboard unnecessary.
The computer included a 320GB internal hard drive which proved to be inadequate in size for my needs. The internal drive was supplemented with a 1TB exernal drive that is being used exclusively for media storage. The drive is connected via the a usb port and it is shareable allowing it to be accessed by other computer on your network. The cost of the drive was $55 on Amazon. Many 1TB drive options exist in the $50 to $60 range.
The next installment of this blog will concern HTPC software.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
VOIP With The Google Voice Softphone
The Nettalk Duo, Obi110 and MagicJack all provide with you with VOIP phone service using an adapter that allows you to use a standard home telephone to make and receive internet calls in essentially the same manner as traditional POTS service. A softphone does not use a phone adapter and is more cumbersome for the end user. Instead a softphone uses your computer to dial/answer the telephone and a headset with microphone plugged into the computer to talk and to hear callers. Your computer speakers and microphone built in the computer could be used, but the call quality will suffer significantly for the caller and the called party.
The most popular free softphone service is without a doubt is Google Voice, however GV is not intuitive to use without applying some technical smoke and mirrors to marry GV with a third party phone number, so that your GV number can be used with a softphone in lieu of Google's convoluted web based software. Google has recently started offering number porting that allows you to transfer your existing phone numbers to Google for a fee of $20 per ported number. Note that e911 service is not yet available from Google.
In order to make outgoing calls using Google all you need is a Google email account aka gmail. After creating and logging into gmail you will find in the left most column of the gmail web application an item labeled "call phone". Be sure you are signed into gmail chat mode and have a microphone and/or headset plugged into your computer, then click on "call phone" to display a telephone dial pad. Use your mouse to dial the phone you want to call, then click the "call button" on the dial pad to make your call. At this point the only incoming calls that you can receive will be from those that have a gmail/chat enabled account. Standard phones will not be able to call you because you do not yet have a phone number.
To receive calls via Google you must additionally obtain a Google Voice account if you do not already have one. This step is required to get a Google phone number provisioned to your account. When signing up for your account you will be guided through the process of choosing an area code and then choosing a phone number from the area code that you've chosen. Now you are ready to receive calls at your new phone number. Here is where it can get confusing. Be you are logged into gmail and Google chat or you won't be able to receive calls. When someone calls you will hear the incoming call ringing on your computer, however to answer the call you must go to your browser window, navigate to the browser's open gmail tab, then click the answer button. You may also need to scroll the page to see the call answer button.
The implementation of the Google softphone is really shoddy in comparison to most other Google software I have used and I would not recommend it to anyone for anything other than irregular spot usage. Anyone wanting to GV for everyday use should invest the $50 for an Obi110 adapter. Google phone service has a lot of great things to offer, but a decent softphone is not one of those great things.
The most popular free softphone service is without a doubt is Google Voice, however GV is not intuitive to use without applying some technical smoke and mirrors to marry GV with a third party phone number, so that your GV number can be used with a softphone in lieu of Google's convoluted web based software. Google has recently started offering number porting that allows you to transfer your existing phone numbers to Google for a fee of $20 per ported number. Note that e911 service is not yet available from Google.
In order to make outgoing calls using Google all you need is a Google email account aka gmail. After creating and logging into gmail you will find in the left most column of the gmail web application an item labeled "call phone". Be sure you are signed into gmail chat mode and have a microphone and/or headset plugged into your computer, then click on "call phone" to display a telephone dial pad. Use your mouse to dial the phone you want to call, then click the "call button" on the dial pad to make your call. At this point the only incoming calls that you can receive will be from those that have a gmail/chat enabled account. Standard phones will not be able to call you because you do not yet have a phone number.
To receive calls via Google you must additionally obtain a Google Voice account if you do not already have one. This step is required to get a Google phone number provisioned to your account. When signing up for your account you will be guided through the process of choosing an area code and then choosing a phone number from the area code that you've chosen. Now you are ready to receive calls at your new phone number. Here is where it can get confusing. Be you are logged into gmail and Google chat or you won't be able to receive calls. When someone calls you will hear the incoming call ringing on your computer, however to answer the call you must go to your browser window, navigate to the browser's open gmail tab, then click the answer button. You may also need to scroll the page to see the call answer button.
The implementation of the Google softphone is really shoddy in comparison to most other Google software I have used and I would not recommend it to anyone for anything other than irregular spot usage. Anyone wanting to GV for everyday use should invest the $50 for an Obi110 adapter. Google phone service has a lot of great things to offer, but a decent softphone is not one of those great things.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A VOIP Alternative
While I am pleased with my NetTalk Duo, were I selecting a VOIP adapter today I would likely choose the Obi110 by Obihai instead of the Duo. Like the Duo, the Obi110 plugs into your router, so it does not require a running computer. Additionally the Obi110 allows you to use your Google Voice telephone number with the device. Google Voice is the key, it provides a much richer set of user control options that are not available with the Duo. The Obi110 has an additional phone port which allows it to bridge your Obi110/GV service with POTS or another VOIP service allowing you to use both over the same phone(s). Obihai has announced that they will be releasing the Obi100 in April 2011 which is essentially the same as the Obi110 excepting that it does not have the additional phone port for bridging. It is expected to cost slightly less.
The added user feature that I find most desirable from GV is the call blocking which plays the "number out of service" tones for numbers you've blocked. However the Obi110/GV combination does not provide e911 service. This is an important feature to many people. Myself, I'd trade e911 for call blocking.
Both devices are "caller id" challenged in some manner. In the case of the Duo, incoming calls fail to set the date/time stamp and your outgoing calls show your phone number to the recipient of the call, but not your name. The lack of name on the "caller id" can be addressed by registering your phone at List Yourself, however the downside is that your number will also be registered with 411 directory services with no option to opt out of 411.
Obi110 "caller id" complaints discussed ObiTalk forums include outgoing "caller id" showing unknown. This appears to be caused by the Obi110 routing outgoing through Google Chat, as outgoing calls made using the GV soft phone show your outgoing "caller id" properly.
The Duo cost $69 + $10 shipping plus $30 per year for each year that you continue the service.
The Obi110 costs $50 and Google has announced that GV phone service will continue to be free at least through 2011. Most pundits expect a fee from Google at some point. Google Voice does offer number porting for $20.
At this point the NetTalk Duo meets my needs and I plan on sticking with it as long as the folks at NetTalk continue improving the product which it appears to me that they are doing. NetTalk also provides live telephone support during business hours which is not available for similar products, including the ubiquitous MagicJack.
The added user feature that I find most desirable from GV is the call blocking which plays the "number out of service" tones for numbers you've blocked. However the Obi110/GV combination does not provide e911 service. This is an important feature to many people. Myself, I'd trade e911 for call blocking.
Both devices are "caller id" challenged in some manner. In the case of the Duo, incoming calls fail to set the date/time stamp and your outgoing calls show your phone number to the recipient of the call, but not your name. The lack of name on the "caller id" can be addressed by registering your phone at List Yourself, however the downside is that your number will also be registered with 411 directory services with no option to opt out of 411.
Obi110 "caller id" complaints discussed ObiTalk forums include outgoing "caller id" showing unknown. This appears to be caused by the Obi110 routing outgoing through Google Chat, as outgoing calls made using the GV soft phone show your outgoing "caller id" properly.
The Duo cost $69 + $10 shipping plus $30 per year for each year that you continue the service.
The Obi110 costs $50 and Google has announced that GV phone service will continue to be free at least through 2011. Most pundits expect a fee from Google at some point. Google Voice does offer number porting for $20.
At this point the NetTalk Duo meets my needs and I plan on sticking with it as long as the folks at NetTalk continue improving the product which it appears to me that they are doing. NetTalk also provides live telephone support during business hours which is not available for similar products, including the ubiquitous MagicJack.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
NetTalk VOIP Service
These are the instructions I followed to put the SBG6580 in bridge mode. Logging into the device via it's web interface is required to make this happen.
user: admin password: motorola
Bridge Mode Instructions @ dslreports
user: admin password: motorola
Bridge Mode Instructions @ dslreports
This NetTalk forum contains a list of routers that are known to work well or badly with the Duo, It will serve you well to consult this list.
List of Routers that work well/badly with the Duo @ nettalk forums
Be sure to ask on the forums or call customer support to check if an area code for your locale is available before purchasing a Duo. Area codes seem to be available in most locations excepting for some rural areas.
Be sure to ask on the forums or call customer support to check if an area code for your locale is available before purchasing a Duo. Area codes seem to be available in most locations excepting for some rural areas.
The most annoying issue with the Duo is that it leaves the caller id date/time stamp blank. As I understand it this is a firmware issue that NetTalk intends to fix in the short term. This is not a show stopper for me.
On rare occasions I will hear a minor echo on my end, which was also the case with the cable company VOIP. It was never significant enough to interrupt the call. I have received no complaints on call quality and my hearing impaired mother says she can hear me better.
I've had a couple dropped calls out of a couple hundreds calls. This is no more than I typically encountered with POTS or cable VOIP.
Forwarding a Google Voice number to your NetTalk Duo number is reported to be a problem for many users. This is not an issue for me as I have the Duo plugged an answering machine and have the Duo forwarding to a GV voice mail to catch incoming calls when I'm talking on the phone. If GV forwarding to the Duo is important I suggest that you visit the NetTalk forums for the details.
Using the Duo for a satellite television subscriber line or an alarm system has received mixed reviews on the NetTalk forums. NetTalk does not endorse it, but it appears to work for some people. Do your homework,
To obtain more or less the reliability of POTS you will need to get an uninterruptible power supply and plug your modem, router, the NetTalk Duo and your phone into the UPS. This will let you use the phone should the power go out. I have a cellphone as a backup, so I am not doing this.
The NetTalk Duo just works for me and I would recommend it to a friend. It is priced at $70 + $10 shipping then $30 each year you continue the service. All incoming calls and outgoing to the US and Canada are included. E911 service is provided by NetTalk for the US, but not in Canada and number porting is not available in either locale.
The Duo is now also available at Walmart, for $70 and only 97 cents shipping.
The Duo is now also available at Walmart, for $70 and only 97 cents shipping.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Start Here!
Over the last several months I've cut the cord on my cable television/telephone services and upgraded my Time/Warner broadband connection to a 30mb/5mb premium tier Extreme package. The cable television service has been replaced by local "over the air" channels using an existing outdoor antenna and with video/audio programming from the Internet. A NetTalk Duo adapter provides my telephone service, including 911 connectivity.
A 60 inch Mitsubishi HD DLP natively receives the "over the air" local HD broadcasts and obtains it's internet programming via an an Acer X3810 4mb desktop computer connected to the set via an HDMI cable. The X3810 currently runs OEM Vista Media Center Edition that came installed on the computer. A pair of rca audio cables connect the television to a very old (140w x 2) stereo receiver. A mini-plug to rca adapter is used to connect the computer to the same receiver with a second set of rca cables. This computer also contains an internal dvd/cd player/recorder. XBMC provides the HTPC front end for the computer .
The NetTalk Duo adapter that delivers the phone service is similar to a MagicJack, excepting that the Duo can be plugged directly into your router to provide phone service without having a computer turned on. No headset or special phone is required, a standard home phone plugs into the the Duo. I have an AT&T Dect 6.0 wireless base unit plugged into the Duo with three satellite phones.
Overall I am extremely satisfied with this setup.
Everything that I watched before I can watch now. The local "over the air" broadcasts are in HD and equivalent in quality to cable service. Internet video streaming is not pixelated and it is free of jitter. I'd imagine that ones satisfaction with the available internet programming is dictated by your viewing habits and your personal downloading ethics.
In my opinion the voice quality provided by the Duo is superior to that of the cable company VOIP phone service, though it does have some minor issues. With the Duo my mom does not complain when I switch to speaker phone, whereas with cable company VOIP she would complain as soon as I switched to speaker phone. Passing the "hearing impaired mom test" was important. It also passed the "wife test" for ease use with flying colors.
My cost was reduced from $150 to $70 by obtaining my phone service and television programming using the internet. This arrangement is probably not something you would setup for your grandparents, but it should work for most people that have experience using social networks. VOIP phone wou not be a problem for even your grandparents, however navigating the television programming is not intuitive and cumbersome. None the less this would work well for many and the price is right.
A 60 inch Mitsubishi HD DLP natively receives the "over the air" local HD broadcasts and obtains it's internet programming via an an Acer X3810 4mb desktop computer connected to the set via an HDMI cable. The X3810 currently runs OEM Vista Media Center Edition that came installed on the computer. A pair of rca audio cables connect the television to a very old (140w x 2) stereo receiver. A mini-plug to rca adapter is used to connect the computer to the same receiver with a second set of rca cables. This computer also contains an internal dvd/cd player/recorder. XBMC provides the HTPC front end for the computer .
The NetTalk Duo adapter that delivers the phone service is similar to a MagicJack, excepting that the Duo can be plugged directly into your router to provide phone service without having a computer turned on. No headset or special phone is required, a standard home phone plugs into the the Duo. I have an AT&T Dect 6.0 wireless base unit plugged into the Duo with three satellite phones.
Overall I am extremely satisfied with this setup.
Everything that I watched before I can watch now. The local "over the air" broadcasts are in HD and equivalent in quality to cable service. Internet video streaming is not pixelated and it is free of jitter. I'd imagine that ones satisfaction with the available internet programming is dictated by your viewing habits and your personal downloading ethics.
In my opinion the voice quality provided by the Duo is superior to that of the cable company VOIP phone service, though it does have some minor issues. With the Duo my mom does not complain when I switch to speaker phone, whereas with cable company VOIP she would complain as soon as I switched to speaker phone. Passing the "hearing impaired mom test" was important. It also passed the "wife test" for ease use with flying colors.
My cost was reduced from $150 to $70 by obtaining my phone service and television programming using the internet. This arrangement is probably not something you would setup for your grandparents, but it should work for most people that have experience using social networks. VOIP phone wou not be a problem for even your grandparents, however navigating the television programming is not intuitive and cumbersome. None the less this would work well for many and the price is right.
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